Reading begin search for new manager

Coca-Cola Championship strugglers Reading will today begin the search for a new manager after parting company with Brendan Rodgers on Wednesday evening.

Rodgers left by mutual consent with the Royals languishing one place and three points above the relegation zone.

Chief scout Brian McDermott has been handed temporary control of first-team affairs ahead of Saturday's trip to Bristol City, but attention will now turn to Rodgers' permanent successor at the Madejski Stadium.

One man certain to be linked to the post is Darren Ferguson, who is currently without a job after leaving Peterborough last month.

Posh chairman Darragh McAnthony claimed Reading had made an approach to interview Ferguson in the summer, before they appointed Rodgers as Steve Coppell's successor.

And with the 37-year-old Scot now available following his exit from London Road, the Royals may be tempted to renew their interest in the man who steered Peterborough to back-to-back promotions.

Another potential candidate is Rodgers' predecessor Coppell, who spent six largely successful years with the club before resigning last May.

Coppell guided Reading to the Barclays Premier League for the first time in their history in 2006.

And although they were relegated two seasons later, the former Crystal Palace and Brighton boss almost masterminded a return to the top flight last season as his side were beaten by Burnley in the Championship play-off semi-finals.

It is not known whether Coppell would be keen on a return to the Madejski Stadium, but he has previously shown his willingness to return to a former club, having managed Palace on no fewer than four separate occasions.

Whoever takes charge at Reading will be challenged with securing the club's Championship status.

Rodgers stated his intent to lead the Royals back to the Premier League when he penned a three-year contract in June, but a dismal run of results on home soil - where they have won just one of 11 games - has seen them struggle at the wrong end of the table.

And although the club finally broke their home duck with a 2-1 triumph over Blackpool last month, they remain in a perilous position ahead of the busy festive period.